Storyline 1: Understanding Variables

Storyline makes working with variables easy. Using the Trigger Wizard, you can quickly set up your project variables without writing a line of code.

Variables are a way to remember information—such as a learner's name or numeric input—and then present dynamic content based on that information. They're also a great way to add conditional interactivity to your course.

Variables can only hold one piece of data at a time. A good example is to think of a slide that asks a learner for their first name. The variable can accept any text-based entry for the name, but it can only hold one learner's name at a time. Each time a learner enters a new name, the variable is updated with the most recent entry.

Types of Variables

In Storyline, there are three types of variables:

Text

Number

True/False

Text variables hold text-based values. Common examples include a learner's name, personalized feedback to a scenario and customized certificates at the end of the course.

Number variables hold numeric values. Common examples include a learner's score, number of attempts on a question and weighted quiz scores.

True/false variable are often referred to as boolean variables. Unlike text and numeric variables, they can have one of two states: on or off. Some common examples include custom Play and Pause buttons that toggle based on user input, a course aknowledgement button that, when clicked, enables the learner to complete the course.

Three-Step Process for Working With Variables

Create the variable - create and name your variable

Select the type of variable - select the type of variable data you want to work with

Select the value - what is the starting value of your data (text, numeric or true/false)

Variables Vs. States

Variables are different from States. States can only hold information for the current slide, while variables can hold data across slides, scenes—even the entire project.